Winnie Walzer Palmer

My Mother's Legacy

By Amy Palmer Saunders

Winnie Palmer would never have begun to imagine at the time she set out to protect the land and beautiful view of Saint Vincent College and the Basilica, that the land she helped preserve would become such a purposeful and meaningful part of her legacy.

Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve, under the thoughtful and capable direction of Angela Belli, has become an amazing reflection of my mother’s inspiration, but with vision that exceeded any expectation of it’s humble beginning.

At first glance, it appears a scenic walk on trails, with creative areas of activities along the way but once inside the barn, you quickly realize how much has been built around educating and communicating with young people about the importance of nature. From environmental concerns to the positive change our generations can have on preserving and enhancing our natural resources, and so much more, the growth of programs and on-going planning is admirable and will be impactful.

Winnie Palmer’s intuition, with a simple action that protected something she cared deeply about, was the catalyst to so much more. She would be pleased and proud beyond expression.